Nardia: Hey, everybody! Welcome back to the WOW Collective Podcast. Today, joining me is another amazing special guest all the way from the U-S-of-A and that is Erica Suter. Hello, Erica.

Erica: Hi, how are you?

Nardia: I’m great. How’re you doing?

Erica: Good. Very good.

Nardia: Feeling happy and full post-thanksgiving?

Erica: Yes. Very full. Didn’t eat too much today. Still recovering.

Nardia: Oh, that’s so awesome. All right, Erica. Let’s dive straight in. Can I get you to introduce yourself to the audience and give us a little a bit about you and how are you having an amazing impact on the world today.

Erica: Sure. So, I am Erica, and I am a soccer coach and a strength and conditioning coach in Baltimore. I started training about five years ago, and I mainly work with girls ages seven to twenty-five. So, a very wide range of young female athletes. I also do personal training on the side, so I work with a lot of varied badass women who just want to get strong and I’m very lucky to have female clients who are more performance-based and who aren’t as worried about their body image and losing weight. They just want to like lift heavy shit so

Nardia: Love it.

Erica: It’s really refreshing, so yeah, it’s been like such a whirlwind, and I’m just like. The time has gone by so fast for me, but I still feel like just five years in I’m just kind of warming up. Like I’m just twenty-seven so I’m pretty young right now and to have like, I guess, some degree of success is exciting for me. So it’s been a rollercoaster, and I’m loving every minute of it.

Nardia: Awesome. So you’ve only been sort of in this space for five years, right?

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: What have you been doing prior to that?

Erica: So, I studied economics in college and as soon as I graduated I actually went to Brazil to play soccer and coach because I didn’t know what the hell I wanted to do with my life. So I was like, I am going to leave the country and travel. So I coached soccer in Brazil for six months and I worked with a lot of young kids. And I was like, “Wow, this is really awesome, and I kind of want to do this the rest of my life.”

So when I got back from Brazil, I was still living with my parents and under a lot of pressure to move out and get my own place and become an adult, start paying rent and all that good stuff. So my dad was like, “Erica, you need to get a job right away.” So, without even thinking, I went in to advertising. And I don’t know why like I just had internships in advertising when I was in college, so I was like, “Well, I’ll just do this, it’s the easy way out so I’m going to work in advertising.”

And my parents will be happy. I’ll be making money right away. Etcetera etcetera. So, I only lasted six months in advertising, and when I was there I was training a few kids on the side just as a hobby and because I loved it and it fulfilled me. So then one day, I just after six months quit and was like “You know, I’m just going to go with this because I am loving it and it’s possible to make a living off of it if you really put your mind something.” So it was scary though, it was a little scary.

Nardia: How did you manage that? Because obviously, you’re still quite young when you decided to leave the conventional safe job, something that your parents wanted you to do, into doing something that was your passion. Like how did you have the courage to actually do that?

Erica: I think for me I was just like, “Life is too short.” And like soccer is my passion, and I have been playing since I was age five and for me to leave that behind when I graduated college just didn’t make any sense. Like I had this talent and why wasn’t I giving it back to the world. I was just looking outside my office, my first job like, there is a better world out there like I could be outside, on the soccer field, in the sun. So that’s kind what gave me the courage that was my why, it’s because I wanted to give back to soccer and share my knowledge of the game, so.

Nardia: Did you at any point do some soul searching around, understanding your why? Had other people kind of been mentored you in this area or had you kind of thought, “You know what, this is just what I want to do?

Erica: You know I’ve had a couple really close friends who kind of brought it out in me. And they were like, “Erica, we see how miserable you are at this job, and we know that this makes you happy, and you need to recognize that and go with that.”

[00:05:00]

And it was really nice to have some of my best girlfriends like rally me on, and my best friend her name is also Erica, she kind of inspired me because she is an interior designer running her own business. And that just kind of like lit the fire under my butt, I was like, “Wow, like I could be doing what Erica is doing. And she’s doing great because she pours her heart into her work, so therefore she is successful.”

Nardia: So very cool. And how did your parents react?

Erica: Oh, man. My mom, my mom was great. She is a creative person, and she’s actually a musician. So I get that a lot from her that like right-brain mindset. My dad was a little bit harder at first because he’s more old school. But now, he’s kind of just like “You know what? Like, Erica, like do what you want to do with your life. Like I’m sorry for pressuring you, and I did see that you were unhappy. So now, he’s like much more supportive because I have a smile on my face and it’s nice to have my parents back now, and it was certainly hard at first.

Nardia: That’s were some wise words coming from your dad, as well. And kudos to him for actually acknowledging this.

Erica: It’s scary for parents, you know. They want the best for us. They want us to, I guess, like make it in the world and you know when your kid quits a full-time job with salary and benefits, it’s terrifying for a parent. But you know, my dad knows I am a hardworking kid, and he knew I would be okay, secretly.

Nardia: I think it is too, your pushing convention, right, you know. I think sometimes the older generation still rely on the security of a job, the so-called security of a job and so forth and now, the younger generation is kind of like, “I want to follow my bliss, follow my passion.” Which I think is amazing.

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: Cool.

Erica: We really tipped the world upside down right now.

Nardia: I love it. Let’s just circle back a little bit to what the WOW Collective stands for. Because I’d love to get an idea of where you sit under these “W’s”. So as a reminder The Wow Collective stands for Women Of Wealth and Wonder and Wellness and Wisdom, Weird, Wicked whatever other “W” you want to put in there. Which one would you say resonate with you the most?

Erica: Wisdom. You know, I am still so young, but I feel like a lot of challenges happened to me at such a young age. You know like going to a job like really early on, I hated. Learning from that and what I want to do. You know, being in a really bad relationship when I was in high school that was emotionally and physically abusive. And you know, it was a very dark time, but I’m glad it happened to me at young age because I am much wiser now I don’t want to settle for anything whether that’s a relationship or a career. Weird. A little bit

Erica: Okay… I would say wisdom, for sure. I am a very young still but I had a lot of dark things happen to me, at a very young age first one being in an emotionally and physical abusive relationship. Which definitely took its toll on me and I had a lot of insecurities back then. And I just, I learned so much from it. And then after that, just settling for a job that I hated. And realizing I need a wake up. And life is short. And I need to not settle for anything. Whether that’s in a relationship or in a career.

Nardia: Amazing. Now, I mean, when I’m talking to you that wisdom really does comes through, and also comes through in a lot of your writing, which how I came across you in the first place, which is fantastic. Would you say that having a really good support network of people around you is critical for helping people to grow or to develop?

[00:10:00]

Erica: Absolutely, absolutely. I’m very careful with you know, the women I surround myself with, and I am sure you could agree with this, it’s very tough when you get older to find women who you are connected with and who really uplift you to the next level in life and who really challenge you as a person.

And I’ve been very grateful to have girlfriends who are entrepreneurs. They live through creativity and their passions. And we’re all just so supportive of each other. And we all do different things, like I do training, I have friends doing interior design, photography, but we still have this mission of giving back to the world, of what our talents are. And I’m just been very grateful for my network.

Nardia: That is amazing. Just listening to you now, not many women in general, but especially not many young women of your age will be able to say that. And you’ve said that you’ve been really careful with the kind of people who you hang out with, what has that meant for you in regards to your lifestyle coming through those early twenties. Like if you’ve had to say no to parties, or have you had any circumstances when you had to cut people out of your life?

Erica: Oh, yes. You know, when I was in college I played soccer there and being on a sports team in college as a female athlete, you’re just get involved in so much like partying and just craziness, and then you get your friends that way. It’s like a mini sorority. And then when you get out of college, you’re like, “Wait, like, were those my true friends or we just like party buddies like what were we?”

So I’ve really met most of my friends now post-college. Or one or two people that I still kept in contact with from high school and we’ve kind of just grown and evolved on the same path and have reconnected. So, it’s just, it’s been interesting. But right now, I’m just trying to surround myself with women who have a really, I guess, open-minded outlook on life and they’re not super judgmental, and they’ll support you no matter what and challenge you as well.

Nardia: Beautiful. Now, you do a lot of work with young girls. What kind of drew you to that in the first place?

Erica: I love kids. So that’s answer number one. But I think, when I was growing up as a middle schooler and a high schooler, I had my own private soccer coach, and she was a woman. And I just remember, really looking up to her and being so inspired. And when I was coaching in Brazil, that was kind of in the back of my head like, “Wow, I should do what Coach Laurie did for me,” and inspire other girls to be the best versions of themselves on the field and off the field.

Nardia: Beautiful. So when you’re working with these young girls, like, what are some of the typical issues or challenges that these girls are facing that you have to do a lot of work around?

Erica: You know, a lot of it is definitely soccer-oriented. And there’s a lot of parents that pressure their kids with their playing, and a lot of playing time issues, and their kid not being good enough, and just constant criticism. And you know, sometimes, I do have to step in and intervene with the parents. But when I’m talking with the girls, I just really try to hammer home like look, focus, focus on yourself, like, you’re doing this for you.

Like, soccer. It’s just a game, you’re having fun, it’s keeping you out of trouble. You’re allowed to live in the moment when you’re on the field and be creative and do things and take risks. Like really lean into that. And just have fun. And it’s amazing, like where I live in Baltimore, people take soccer so seriously. And I’m like guys, it’s just a game, like, it’s a game it’s something you have to have fun with. And you can’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Nardia: Do you ever find that these girls are struggling with self-esteem body-issues? Or do you think because they are sort of more athletes they’re more about performance?

Erica: Yeah. I’ve have had a few instances where girls would make comments like, “Oh. Like I ate so much today,” or “I gained weight,” or this and that and I’m just like, “Guys. Like, as long as you’re feeling energized on the field and throughout your school day, and you’re feeling strong, like, you’re doing fine.

[00:15:00]

And I think, girls need to be taught that at a young age that body image is just such like a misconception. We’re expected to be this certain woman like on a magazine cover or on a fitness celebrity’s Instagram with like ripped abs but it’s just, it couldn’t be far from the truth. And to achieve something like that, it’s hard work. And you just got to do what gives your body energy. And you need to do what breathes life into you.

Nardia: Now, I’m so glad you mentioned Instagram. Because that is a beautiful little segue into what I want to talk about next. And this is actually how I contacted you or come across you, right? Because you wrote a really interesting article a few weeks back which was you basically, let’s put this out there, you had the balls to say and write what I haven’t had the balls to say and write.

Erica: I think a lot of people said that, too.

Nardia: We’ll put that on the link below of the show. Can you please give me a rundown of that article and why you decided to write it?

Erica: I was just tired of the bullshit from the fitness industry.

Nardia: What was the title, again, Erica

Erica: It was called “Fitness Professional VS Fitness Celebrity: Who to Follow?”

Nardia: Yeah, that’s right.

Erica: And I think many of you can guess who. But you know, I’m just so tired of a lot of the fluff in the fitness and athletic performance industry. There’s just, you know, one day I was just scrolling through Instagram and I must’ve followed these people years ago but I was just looking at shirtless pictures, pictures of Tupperware and like Tilapia and asparagus and I was just like “Why the?”

Or like the same selfie but just like a different lighting or like a different neon coloured sports bra. And I am just like “Why am I following this? Like this is like draining me. This isn’t providing me with good information on like how to be fit, you know.” So you know, I just woke up one day and sat down at my laptop and started writing. And there may or may not have been some wine involved.

Nardia: All good things start with wine.

Erica: Yes. So it just kind of all went down there. And then I read it to my mom. And she was like, “Erica, like you, should be careful with posting this because, like this could go viral,” and I’m like, “No. No, it’s definitely not, like no one’s going to share it. I’m just like venting over here, getting out a rant, doing this for myself.” And then I publish it. Two days later, like, everyone’s sharing it. And I’m like, “What the fuck?”

Erica: But the response was so positive and I, it was so nice to bring that out in people and to push the envelope with what everyone was thinking and finally say it. So it felt really good. And I even had a woman email me and say, ‘”Erica, your post, it made me cry because I used to be a fitness celebrity. I used to be so self-centred and have such a huge ego, and your post made me realize what I was and what I’m starting to rebuild and get my life back on track.”

Nardia: Oh my god. That’s powerful.

Erica: Yeah. I was like, “Wow.” Like and I think it definitely woke a lot of people up.

Nardia: So for a lot of our listeners, you know, these people who are listening who are in fitness world and they might be fitness professionals, but the majority of the listeners are actually non-fitness people, right? And they may be the kind of people following some of our favourite Instagram stars on social media. So would you mind, kind of breaking down what your interpretation of the difference of a fitness professional verses an Insta–star professional, I’ll put that in air quotes, whatever that is?

Erica: I like that.

Nardia: Just so that the listeners can kind of would know the difference between the two.

Erica: I think that like, the fitness celebrity like, you know, you’re definitely going to see a lot of selfies and their Instagram is all about them. And kind of selling their brand and their programs. And just not really providing information or specific points on how to get stronger or what exercises do you need to be doing for this or like.

[00:20:00]

Erica: It just seems like a lot of their information is just so self-centred. That they don’t care about people’s bodies. And that’s really what fitness is. Getting people to be healthier in a sane way.

Nardia: So how, how would you discern a fitness professional then? Like what would you think a fitness professional would do or the behaviour they’ll exhibit on their social media?

Erica: I see a lot of true fitness professionals will maybe post a video of their client, like, overcoming a milestone. Maybe their clients getting their first pull-up or getting a deadlift or they’re coming out with programs on how to work towards something like that. There is science behind it. There’s hands-on experience behind it.

And you know, I find a lot of times that these you tube and Instagram celebrities, they haven’t once coached someone in person. They’re just blindly writing a program or an e-book and putting it out there for a couple hundred dollars like, “Here you go, guys. Like I’ve no experience. Good Luck”

Nardia: You mean that’s not good?

Erica: Exactly.

Nardia: I know that your specialty is sarcasm, and so is mine.

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: I love it. But I think you know, that’s such great points that you wrote. And I absolute adored your article because it is written in such a way that was you might’ve thought it was ranty but it actually came across and really empowered and helpful. And you offered up some really great criticism of this celebrity Insta-culture.

Now I think this is very interesting because over here down under and I also notice this trend happening a lot, a lot of the fitness professionals are starting to rise up now and go, “Hang on a minute. This is not good enough. Our industry needs to have a swift kick up in the ass and a change. Starting with understanding the difference between what is a real professional and what is not.

Erica: Yes. Yup. Yup. You know, actually, I did receive an email from one of the celebrities I called out.

Nardia: Can you name them? Or?

Erica: Yes. It was one of the professional soccer players Lauren Sesselmann who, she has a program that’s called “Train like a Pro.” And it claims that you train like a professional athlete. But a lot of her workouts are with towels in a hotel room. So you know, I was kind of questioning the program. And I, she was really upset. And was like, “Well, I’m actually a nice person blah blah blah.” But I told her, “I didn’t say anything about your character because I don’t know you. I am just challenging you from a professional standpoint because you play professional soccer and I’m sure you have some great ideas to share, but they’re not translating into your program.”

And it, you know, it was a tough day for me to have those exchanges with her because she said had she cried, and it’s never a good feeling knowing you made someone cry. But then I was like, you know if she had that reaction, she must’ve gone through some self-reflection and something’s going on there.

Nardia: Yes.

Erica: So you know whether she cried or not I brought something out of her that might’ve needed to be addressed, and you know, I just had to move on, and just kind of realizing I made someone cry.

Nardia: But I think you know.

Erica: It’s tough.

Nardia: It is tough. And I want to kind of move this away from fitness a little bit. Because it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, if you’re somebody who has a very strong opinion on something and you put it out there via social media, and let’s be honest, social media is the number one way in which we get our information now, there’s always going to be consequences to that. There’s going to be some great consequences, and then there is always going to be some of the more negative ones like what you’ve experienced.

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: Yeah. So, if you’ve given the chance, would you do it again?

Erica: Yes, absolutely.

Nardia: Why?

Erica: You mean like would I put another article like that out there again? Absolutely. But after that one, I was like “I need some time off.” I hibernate for a little bit. But yeah, I definitely would. I really like to challenge people, and I like to say things that people are afraid of saying, just because it’s fun and I just like to challenge people, and you know, me personally, I like to be criticized secretly because it helps me to get better.

[00:25:00]

I’ve been criticized like these celebrities many times. Like I was told when I started I was a terrible strength and conditioning coach by like college coaches and what did I do? I worked to get better, I read books, I coach more, I did this, I did that. So you know it’s not a bad thing to you know, put something out there, have an opinion and to be criticized.

Nardia: Yes. Yes. I think this is a great learning for all of us especially, you know, if you’re trying to build an online brands or you’re trying to build your brand in any area, really, is you have to have strong convictions.

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: And you know, you need to let people know what you stand for, otherwise, you kind of end up being this vanilla wishy-washy no one knows who you are.

Erica: Yes. And when you start, yeah. When you start blogging, that’s like expected like you’re putting everything out there on the web so, you’re, you’re going to have people who disagree with you and people who agree with you. So it comes with it.

Nardia: That’s very cool. Now, just going back to you, you mentioned that when you were younger, you were in an abusive relationship physically and emotionally, how did that kind of affect you and how did that help you get to where you are today?

Erica: Man that was very rough time for me. I was only 17 years old, and it was like my first like relationship ever so of course at that age in your first relationship your mind is so, you’re just insecure like it’s a very precarious time and it was really tough for me. I was so brainwashed in that relationship that he was like all I deserved, even though he was treating me so badly and I, I like quit soccer for a couple months because of him.

Like cause I wanted to spend time with him and that just wasn’t me and my parents, my best friends saw it, and you know I, I talk to them a lot during that time but I still kept staying with him, and it was it was horrible. So eventually I started to see a counsellor to get through it, and she really pushed me to ask the tough questions like who I was? What I wanted to do? Why was I contemplating giving up soccer and not playing in college?

That was a dream my whole life, and I was about to give that up? So one day, my boyfriend, at the time, he said some very hurtful things to me and for whatever reason, at my lowest point, I was at my lowest point then, I was like “fuck this.” And I, I called him, and I told him like, “I am done.” And I remember this to this day I walked downstairs, and my mom was standing in the kitchen, I told her that I’d broke up with him and I was ready to apply to college and to play soccer in college, and that was that.

Nardia: That was that.

Erica: That was that. And like, if I didn’t do that, I’m like “Oh my gosh, I would not be like, living my purpose right now coaching.” It’s crazy how like the universe like made that event happened at that point in my life and if I for whatever reason got out of it.

Nardia: And good on you for acknowledging your self-worth and not settling for shit.

Erica: Yes. Yeah.

Nardia: So, now as you’re a little bit older how does that play out for you in a lot of your everyday interactions now. Now that you, you had the strength to live in a relationship like you did when you were seventeen? How does that play out for you and your relationships now?

Erica: I well, well I am still single. I’m very free-spirited, and I just have a totally different outlook on relationships and love, and you know a couple years ago I had an amazing boyfriend and he, he ended up moving back to Europe. He was from the Netherlands, and I really loved him, and I think now like my relationships, I just don’t settle, and like, I know my worth, and I know what I’m doing with my life, kind of. But I’m, I’m living through my passions and if a guy can’t accept me for who I am, then it’s, it’s not going to work.

[00:30:00]

And I’ve definitely got in very, like my guard is up in that sense, but right now I am kind of seeing someone who is just my number one fan, and he’s so supportive. And he does similar work, so it’s, it’s really great to have someone who allows you to be you and, and gives you your independence and actually loves you for it.

Nardia: Hmmm. Hmmm.

Erica: You know, that that’s important. If is someone doesn’t love you for your free spiritedness and your authenticity, that’s a problem, that’s a red flag.

Nardia: Massive red flag. Very wise words, Erica.

Erica: I should be a relationship counsellor even though I’m single.

Nardia: Moving on, it sound like you have because you know your self-worth, because you are on purpose and in alignment with your highest self and higher values. That you’ve created this amazing environment of people around you that helps you to keep up levelling and developing as a person, which I think is absolute phenomenal. I would like to know if there’s any other, or if there is any specific habits or things that you do on a daily basis that you’d also attribute your success to?

Erica: I have a lot of perseverance even through adversity, I like to lean into it and I’m very aware that any bad thing that comes up is always going to be a learning lesson to help you get better. And to, you know, take you to the next level in your life and to help you evolve. So you know for me just to take tough times and turn them into something good. Never stop learning, never stop growing.

Nardia: So, how does it look like for you on a daily basis, for example, so obviously, you continuously educating yourself?

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: Are there anything specific that you’re doing every day like how do you lean into shitty times, or scary times? Is there a process that you go through, personally?

Erica: I like to spend a lot of like alone time when I need to recharge I have to be by myself, whether that’s going for a hike, being in nature, I like to meditate a lot and focus on my inner Zen. You know I’m just constantly around so much stimulation in my job, working with kids and giving life advice to young girls and shooting soccer balls at people. So it’s like you need that time to yourself to just kind of mellow out and then the next day you can recharge and give it your all.

Nardia: Are you doing any one-on-one with any one-on-one personal training or is it all wrapped-up in coaching? Soccer coaching?

Erica: I do, do one on one personal training. I have a couple of one-on-one clients but most of it is like semi-private groups, so like partner sessions or like three to four women in a group and I found that it’s really great for building that sense of community and accountability, and female empowerment.

Nardia: Yeah. Awesome. So when you’re working with these small groups, what are some of the challenges that you see these women facing?

Erica: Well, a lot of them, I think, expect results overnight and they beat themselves up about it, but you know I tell them that the process is the pleasure. There’s no end goal in life there is no end goal in fitness. You’re constantly working to do something more and then once you get that you to do something else, or change it up. And it’s just enjoying the journey and really embracing the highs and the lows of everything that shape your character.

Nardia: Now, I love that quote, “the process is the pleasure.”

Erica: Yes.

Nardia: Can we unpack that just a little bit what does that mean for some people? What does it mean if we got people listening and they’re like “I’ve just started on my exercise journey, I’m hating going to the gym” or “I just want my results now.” How can they start to put some pleasure into this?

Erica: That’s a tough question. You know, I’d just say just doing stuff that they really enjoy and if they find that something’s a challenge like getting a pull-up or getting your deadlift numbers up, it’s going to come. But nothing is, is earned that easily like if, if you do earn it that easily then it’s like “Wow, that was anti-climactic.”

[00:35:00]

Like that, “That was too easy,” and then we’d be like, “Oh, that was it?” It’s good to like lean into that journey and to really work towards something because easy, easy is not fun.

Nardia: So what I’m hearing there too, is it’s important to kind of set little goals and more performance outcomes. So always kind of focus on those things that you’re chasing down, like performance-oriented stuff versus just worrying about the aesthetics of your body weight or your body shape.

Erica: Absolutely.

Nardia: Cool. Perfect. Alright then. Let’s put your Erica Coaching Hat on, for just a moment. In regards to your coaching with women and with your young girls, what would you say are three of your biggest tips or tricks that you would recommend to the listener.

Erica: From a coaching standpoint?

Nardia: Yeah. From what you see?

Erica: Like tips, tips on how to coach or train or?

Nardia: No. More, let me rephrase and start again. Now putting your personal trainer coaching hat on, Erica. I would love to know what are three hot tips or pieces of advice that you would offer up to the listeners in regards to health and empowerment or being kick ass.

Erica: Sure. Do what makes you happy would be my number one. Life is just way too short to do shit you hate. And number two definitely, definitely surround yourself with people who support your mission and then third, don’t worry about the judgment of others and if someone does judge or criticize you, use that as fuel to get better.

Nardia: Oh, those are some big deep tips there. They’re amazing. Can we go back to number two? Cause I think that’s, this is what’s really popping up for me when talking to you is about surrounding yourself with people who are on a same mission. How do people find those people?

Erica: Oh my gosh. On the internet? Man, it’s, I will say it’s tough. I live in a town where it’s kind of a bubble, so it’s very hard to find entrepreneurs. There’s a lot of people who are working nine to fives and who live for the weekends. But I found a lot of my close friends through my travels, through hobbies that I do like yoga or like hiking groups. Like conferences when I go to soccer coaching conferences or training conventions that kind of stuff.

Nardia: Yep.

Erica: And yes, I did joke about the Internet earlier, but it’s so true. Like I’ve met some amazing female strength coaches through social media and women that I feel like I can text on a daily basis and it’s totally cool and like tell them the deepest shit. Like, so yeah I would say all those places are great ways to connect with people who remind you of your mission and your why.

Nardia: I love it, and I know we’ve already said this at the very start of this podcast but having that tribe of like-minded people around you really does help. As you are on a mission, you need to be around other people who share that same mission or share the same values.

Erica: Yes. It’s such, it’s such a game changer.

Nardia: And I think on that too, the other side, the flip side of that as I mentioned earlier, is learning how to let go of some relationships that may not be serving you anymore.

Erica: Yes, and that’s hard. It’s tough because some people might be your friends for so long and then you’re just like, “Wait, like are they contributing to this relationship? Are they pulling the weight? Are they helping me? Do we resonate anymore?” And those are some tough tough questions to ask yourself, but it’s important.

Nardia: I love that first question you said, “Are they contributing to the relationship?”

Erica: Yes. Yes.

Nardia: And you know these questions like you said, they are the tough questions, but for anyone who does want to up level their life or you know, you’re right on the precipice of doing some great big things in your life, this is crucial. There is an element of having to let go of people who are not going to help you on that journey. Okay. So let’s move on from that, those were three amazing, very like I said deep pieces of advice, today you are definitely wise.

[00:40:00]

Erica: I’m glad. Good.

Nardia: What’s your special kind of crazy or weird?

Erica: Special kind of crazy or weird. Hmmm. What do you mean?

Nardia: Do you have any weird things that you do you don’t bring to the world? That you’d like to bring to the world?

Erica: Man, I would say that I’m just super spontaneous and I could like book a trip tomorrow and just like leave. Like that’s, that’s like the weirdest thing about me. My friends are like, “We never know what the hell you’re doing, or where you’re going to be. Like you just march to the beat of your own drum.” And I guess it’s like a good and bad thing. I don’t know.

Nardia: I think it’s a great right thing. Have your parents fostered that in you?

Erica: I think my mom has, because she’s a free spirit. She’s the creative woman of the family she’s, she’s like a ping-pong ball, she’s everywhere.

Nardia: That’s beautiful. I love it. So being completely spontaneous and doing what you want to do.

Erica: Yeah.

Nardia: Okay. I love it.

Erica: Within the reason.

Nardia: Now, like you’ve said, you you’ve got a great bunch of girlfriends around you. They all sound like they’re on a mission as well. So I’m curious to know, what for you what makes a woman “Wow” like, you know how sometimes somebody just walks in the room, and you’re like, “Wow. There is something there about that particular person.” What would you say it is for you that makes up a “Wow” woman?

Erica: Confidence. Confidence and being totally okay with who you are and really embracing all your strengths and your weaknesses. So, you know, if you’re having a crappy day and you have to go to a party like you still, you own it. You’re like, “You know what today’s been shit but I’m here, and I’m going to have a good time, and I am going to make the most of it.” So, I just say, like owning who you are and always staying true to yourself.

Nardia: Do you know it’s funny, the majority of the women I interviewed would all say something like what you’ve just said or variation of.

Nardia: We’re on the home stretch, so is it any other parting words of wisdom that you’d like the listeners to know?

Erica: Oh, man.

Nardia: This is your moment, Erica.

Erica: This is my moment. This is when the curtains close. I think, really ask yourself what your purpose is and actually, maybe an easier question would be like, what is your talent? And how can you use that to contribute to the world whether that’s as a hobby or through a career one day. I think that’s very important because everyone has so many amazing talent and they’re not using them. So that’s definitely something that women should ask themselves, like what are your best traits? Like what are you good at and how’re you going to share that with people.

Nardia: That’s amazing. I saw something on Facebook yesterday, very similar to what you’ve just said and it was, the end of this video was a shot of a cemetery. And in it, it said, “This is where all the dreams and ideas have gone to die. So the point of the whole video was follow your dreams, just get out there, just find what it is that you love to do and give it a shot.

Erica: Give it a shot and worst-case, it doesn’t work out but at least, at least you tried, and you can be proud of that. You can be proud of challenging the status quo and taking a leap. And normally it does work out, it does. You just have to put the energy into it and, and have faith.

Nardia: Now, I’m super curious to know, what does the future hold for Erica Suter and the online fitness space? You’ve only been in this five years. You’ve come in with a bit of a bang.

Erica: Oh, god.

Nardia: What do you want to do?

Erica: That’s scary.

Nardia: Where do you see yourself going?

Erica: It’s so funny because I was asked this question by two different people like last week like, “Where do you see yourself in five, ten years and I freak out, and I’m like, I don’t know.

[00:45:00]

I think it’s more where I see myself like after each day. I try to give every day my all, take it one step at a time and focus on one task at hand and do my best at that and then opportunities and new adventures come. And I think that’s the spontaneity in me talking so yeah, I definitely see myself still coaching soccer, still writing, I love to write I love blogging. But I don’t, like for the first time in my life, I don’t have any like end goal. Like I don’t have the goal of you know going back to school or getting a job with like professional sports. It’s kind of nice, though, not to have a goal right now.

Nardia: As weird as that may sound to some of the listeners, I totally get you on that.

Erica: Yes. I’m glad you do.

Nardia: Now. This was the edit, I try to have the goal of not setting goals.

Erica: That is great.

Nardia: [inaudible 00:46:13] was to let go all of being so outcome-focused all the time, and let go of that just to see what happens.

Erica: Yes and sometimes when you live like that, so many opportunities come to you, and you connect with so many random people, and you’re like, “Oh my, gosh like, where did all this come from? Oh, I’ve just doing my thing each day. It’s cool.”

Nardia: I love it. I love it. Just doing my own thing. It just sounds like this is you summed up, just doing your own thing.

Erica: Yeah. Yeah.

Nardia: Beautiful. So, as we come to a close, I would love to know is there any other woman you know that you think I should get on to the show?

Erica: Oh, my goodness. I am trying to think of who you haven’t talked to yet.

Nardia: That’s a hard one in the fitness space, isn’t it?

Erica: I could, you know, I could reach out to my friend Erica she actually just moved to California, the interior designer? I could reach out to her because she literally just packed her bags and left. Like not knowing what hell she’s going to do and now she’s like running an interior design business, so.

Nardia: Amazing.

Erica: I think I’d recommend her because she’d be different, very creative mind, and free spirit.

Nardia: Yeah. Definitely. And I love it because it’s the one that we’re looking for is always just amazing stories of women who just doing some cool shit.

Erica: Yes. Okay. I can definitely, do you want me to connect you guys via Facebook or email?

Nardia: We’ll do that after this.

Erica: Okay. Sounds good.

Nardia: Alright, you’re not quite off the hook yet. We got a quick fire round. So, at the moment, what is your drink of choice? Red, white, spirits or other?

Erica: Red.

Nardia: Good girl. Are you, now this, I always have to get this right when I talk to you guys in the States. Do you prefer to run flats or no, actually, no, wait, sorry, I’ve just confused myself then. I was thinking of Megan when she got so confused. Anyways, the question is actually going to be, what do you prefer to wear? Flats or heels? And when I asked Megan, she thought I said, do I prefer to run hills or flats.

Erica: Oh my gosh. She would.

Nardia: Yeah, she was like what do you mean, I hate running hills. And I was like, no. Heels. And she’s like yeah, hills.

Erica: That’s so great, I love that.

Nardia: That was a bit of a crazy accent interchange then. Anyways. Do you prefer to wear flats or heels?

Erica: Flats.

Nardia: Flats. Perfect. Do you prefer a night in or a night out on the town?

Erica: Night in.

Nardia: Are you a savoury or a sweet kind of gal?

Erica: Sweet.

Nardia: Cool. If you’re to do some form of movement, do you prefer to do it on your own or with other people?

Erica: With other people.

Nardia: What is your all-time favourite self-love or self-care practice?

Erica: Hiking.

Nardia: Ah. Yes. Me, too. I love it.

Erica: Yes. It’s amazing.

Nardia: Who are you listening to or watching or reading at the moment that’s really inspiring you?

Erica: Strength Coach Tony Gentilcore.

Nardia: Yes.

Erica: Yes, love him. And non-fitness, I’m reading a book by Eckhart Tolle, the author of “Power of Now.” I’m reading his second book, and it’s amazing.

Nardia: Which one is it? Is it “A New Earth?”

Erica: Yes. It’s so good.

Nardia: Yes. “A New Earth” is fantastic.

Erica: Yup.

Nardia: Alright, Erica. That has been awesome.

Erica: Awesome. Well, thank you for having me. This was great.

[00:50:00]

Nardia: Thank you so much for coming on the show. Honestly, it was so refreshing talking to you. I don’t; I purposely don’t want to use the young thing here. But I just have to acknowledge that for someone who is still in their twenties, how wise you actually are and that’s been refreshing talking to you and listening to you.

Life is Too Short To Settle For Mediocre

With a ‘life is too short’ to fluff around attitude and a relentless drive to not settle for anything, Erica is creating waves in the fitness industry. She is a certified Sports and Conditioning Coach who blew up the internet with her critique of the Fitness Celebrity.

Erica is based in Baltimore, Maryland and works with soccer players, grandmas, moms, dads, and people who want to make strides toward an athletic and energetic life.

For someone who has only been in the industry for 5 years Erica is certainly making herself known. Unafraid to speak her mind and share her opinions, regardless of what other people may think of her is a strong point. In fact it was one of her articles that led me to her in the first place.

iTunes Reviews

September 9, 2016I LOVE listening to the W.O.W Collective. It's packed with so much inspiration and positivity that is sure to help you through your day. It's a must-listen!

by Jdemolition from United States

WOW Collective -Empowers Women Worldwide

April 5, 2016Nardia shares great insight and wisdom..inspiring. I have listened to all of the W.O.W Collectives. Nardia has interviews with some amazing women..who tell their stories of struggles and triumphs to success. Some are touching…makes you reflect on your own personal journey.

by spincat from United States

Excited by this series!

October 14, 2015I'm incredibly excited to see this series continue. I love the information I've heard. My one concern is that every interview seems to get cut off before it has completed. If I could hear the whole thing, I'm certain I would give it a 5-star rating.